As a matter of fact, Ansel is quoted as saying that he learned more from the “bread and butter” photography than anything else.

Al Gilbert shot passports when I last spoke with him. And he was nearing 80 yrs old. And is still considered on of the best photographers in North America.

Don’t be too proud to take on jobs.

Unless of course you have no time because you’re way too busy. Or your ego won’t let you.

Many small jobs, be they donations to community causes or small time gigs, will keep you active, learning, and earning.

#4- Successful photographers are not quitters. I know, some people realize it’s not for them.

Or, they get offered a “real job” and opt for the security and golden handcuffs.

But successful photographers who are very, very serious about making it, don’t quit.

And they don’t start and stop all the time, jumping from one piece of equipment to another, one forum to another, never truly committing to their personal drive and passion.

It takes guts and commitment. It’s that simple. Your level of desire must rise above, way above your pain threshold and your inner weakness that makes you give in to the pain.

Let me repeat that…..your level of desire to succeed must be way, way bigger than the pain, fear and desire to quit.

#5- Successful photographers chose good role models and mimic their work through practice.
We all have role models. Those who produce work that truly inspires us to want to reach great heights.

Musicians have them too. They all talk about the music they listened to in their formative years and how it inspired them.

Laura P, a member of No Bs Photo Success, asked me while ago about taking one of those home study photography courses.

You know, the one from New York… I told her not to bother.

Instead, get out there and shoot, shoot, shoot.

What will happen is this: Not only will she be getting technical mastery over her gear and adding to her ability to “see the light”, but in time inspiration will seep into her life and she will begin to find direction, purpose and focus on the style of photographer she is evolving into.

And part of that is finding other successful photographers that inspire her. It’s all part of the journey.

Be open. Be true to your journey and let others inspire you.

Throw it away, and your throwing away part of your journey.

Hey, I SUFFER for my craft. I demand perfection from myself. I don’t always get it, but I demand it nevertheless.

It’s why I teach and preach and try to reach out to other photographers who have the same passion and drive as I do.

I love teaching, because I learn as much as the student.

I put on more webinars, workshops and tutorials each month than anyone out there.